Insights

Email is still among the most vulnerable entry points for cyber-attacks, posing a serious threat to corporate and personal data security. As email scams become more sophisticated, understanding these threats and taking proactive measures is essential. Whether you're an employee or an individual user, you can protect your sensitive information and stay ahead of potential cyber-attacks by learning how scammers operate and following these tips.

Can Opening an Email Infect Your Device?  

A common myth is that simply opening an email can infect your device. Fortunately, modern email systems are built to prevent malicious code from running just by opening an email. This was a real concern in the early days of email when programs like Microsoft Outlook had vulnerabilities that allowed harmful code to execute automatically. However, today’s email services are far more secure, making it much less likely for your device to get infected just by opening an email.

Understanding Email Viruses and How They Spread  

• What is an Email Virus? 

An email virus is a malicious code that’s transmitted via email. These viruses often hide in attachments or are activated when a user clicks on a link in a phishing email. Once executed, they can spread through your system, infect files, and potentially send infected emails to your contacts.

• Common Types of Email Viruses & How They Spread 

Direct Action Virus: This affects files and programs as soon as the email is opened.

Boot Sector Virus: Infects the master boot record of your computer, making it difficult to detect.

Resident Virus: Stays hidden in your system’s memory, waiting to activate when certain conditions are met.

Keylogger Virus: Records your keystrokes to steal sensitive information like passwords and account details.

These viruses often spread through harmful attachments, like documents or PDFs, or hijacked user accounts that send phishing emails to internal contacts.

Recognizing Common Scams 

When reviewing emails, there are several red flags to watch for that can signal a potential scam. First, look out for misspellings and grammatical errors, as legitimate companies rarely send communications with such mistakes. 

Another significant warning sign is an unfamiliar email address. If the sender’s address seems unusual or doesn’t match the company it claims to be from, proceed with caution. 

Lastly, be extremely cautious of unexpected attachments or links. Even if the email looks legitimate, unexpected files or clickable links can be dangerous, potentially carrying malware or directing you to phishing websites. Three common types of email scams include:

1. Phishing Tactics

Phishing is a tactic in which fraudsters send fake emails pretending to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or service providers. These emails often direct users to phony websites designed to steal login credentials or trick them into downloading malware. Phishing emails often claim urgent actions are required, like resetting your password or confirming personal information. 

2. Spear-Phishing Attacks

While phishing targets many users at once, spear-phishing is a more targeted attack aimed at specific individuals, often high-ranking employees like CEOs or CFOs. These attacks use personalized details to make the emails seem more legitimate, intending to access sensitive company information.

3. Image-Based Phishing Attacks 

In some phishing attempts, scammers use images that mimic branding from well-known companies, such as their logos and design elements. These emails often look genuine but hide malicious links behind those images.

Think Before You Click: Spotting Scams Disguised as Bank Notifications  

• Fake Bank Notifications

Cybercriminals often craft phishing emails that appear to be from your bank. They use the same logos, color schemes, and tone of official bank emails to trick users into providing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. Always verify the source of the email before taking any action.

• Urgency Tactics in Emails  

Scammers rely on urgency to pressure users into acting quickly. For example, they might send an email stating that your account will be locked unless you reset your password immediately. When you receive emails like these, take a moment to verify the request through official channels.

• What to Do When in Doubt

If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or download attachments. Instead, contact your bank or the sender directly using known contact information to verify the legitimacy of the request. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Finally, never click on suspicious links. Report them instead. 

Best Practices for CyberSecurity  

• Never Trust, Always Verify

It’s best to assume that all unsolicited emails could be suspicious. Always verify the authenticity of emails before acting on them, especially those requesting personal or financial information.

• Report Suspicious Emails

Reporting suspicious emails helps protect personal information and improve overall security. Many email platforms and companies have tools for reporting phishing and malicious emails, which allows them to block the sender and improve their security systems.

• Use Antivirus and Email Scanning Tools

To enhance your security, make sure you’re using antivirus software and email scanning tools. These tools can detect and block suspicious emails and attachments before they reach your inbox, significantly reducing the chances of falling victim to a scam.

Stay Secure 

Email scams are always changing, so it’s important to stay vigilant about your cybersecurity. Recognizing phishing tactics, avoiding suspicious links or attachments, and reporting questionable emails are essential steps to keep yourself and your organization safe from cyber-attacks. GBank prioritizes your security and invests in advanced technologies to protect your sensitive information because we truly care about your safety. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight against cyber threats. Learn more about how you can protect your data here.